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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 20 of 20. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by NikkiT2 on November 9, 2003, at 12:24:24
HELP!!!
I'm spending tomorrow afternoon with some students studying Community Mental Health. I will be there to give them the Service Users perspective, and what kind if care and help we find really good, and that that we find bad.
I'm looking for examples to be able to give them.. Both positive and negative.. I want to be able to show them the things that make us feel unsafe and un-responsive.
But I also want to be able to say - there are things we find really good, and if you treat us good, we will be more responsive to you and treatment, and easier to deal with.In my head we want to be treated with respect. To not be treated like we are thick, just because we are ill. That we can make decisions on our own care. And also that we are seen as individuals, not as a problem that needs dealing with.
Any experiences you have had would be a great help to me. I won't name anyone, and won't even tell them about babble..
Thanks everyone.. and sorry for such short notice!
Nikki xx
Posted by karen_kay on November 9, 2003, at 12:59:08
In reply to HELP!!! Your good / bad experiences with Dr's etc, posted by NikkiT2 on November 9, 2003, at 12:24:24
Ok, I'll bite! The doctor I currently see (and I currently have a wonderfull relationship with now) in the beginning was very straight forward. I was warned in advance by my therapist. I was taking Geodon for psychotic symptoms (visual and auditory hallucinations) and I began to become manic. My therapist even agreed with me on this. I made an appointment with my pdoc and he yelled at me for "cohercing" my therapist into believing I was manic when in fact I had akathesia from the Geodon. I cried in his office, and I don't even cry in my therapist's office. I don't usually cry at all. The point is a doctor shouldn't accuse a patient or "talk down" to a patient, especially if they are having some pretty uncomfortable side effects from medications. Currently, my doctor and I are on great terms, as I make it a point to be very informed of any and all matters concerning my medications. He's never come across as cold since this incedent, but I think my therapist may have spoken about it with him. Hope this provides some insight to you and the people you are speaking with. Karen
Posted by Dinah on November 9, 2003, at 13:55:13
In reply to HELP!!! Your good / bad experiences with Dr's etc, posted by NikkiT2 on November 9, 2003, at 12:24:24
Hmmm... It's easy to come up with bad, less easy to come up with good.
I guess good would be my therapist. He listens to what I say, doesn't overreact, and talks to me about things calmly, with no threats of abandonment to get me to "behave".
My previous pdoc was a great example of how not to behave. He seemed to take my self injury as a personal affront to him. He pushed more and more meds on me, wouldn't listen to my telling him that they were making things worse by increasing my level of agitation, and finally provoked me into quitting. I've mercifully blocked out most of the memory of that session, but it ended with him yelling at me that he guessed I would go home and cut myself now because he said something that "upset" me (the upset was said with such a sneer). I made it out to the car in shock before calling him and telling him that he was fired because nobody was allowed to speak to me that way. I think he was relieved. I call him the pdoc from h*ll, or the Evil Dr. D. I don't even know how to describe what he did wrong. Didn't listen to reports of side effects, blamed the patient, and finally belittled and yelled at the patient. I doubt those techniques are standard anywhere, tho. :)
My current pdoc also has a bit of a bad experience feel to him, though he doesn't scare me so I stay with him. He doesn't want to hear anything ummmm... dramatic. So if I mention self injury or suicidal ideation, he gets completely blank and turns the subject. So I don't mention them, or anything else I think he might disapprove of. I'm pretty sure that that isn't an ideal state of affairs either.
Posted by fallsfall on November 9, 2003, at 15:50:55
In reply to Re: HELP!!! Your good / bad experiences with Dr's etc » NikkiT2, posted by Dinah on November 9, 2003, at 13:55:13
My best experience was very early on with my first therapist. I was telling her that when I woke up in the morning there were designs dancing on my ceiling. I asked if she could explain that. She asked what I thought it was. I came up with a wild explanation (now that I understand a bit more, I'm too embarassed to even tell you what the explanation was). She said "Hmmm, I really don't know". There was no hint that she thought it was funny, that she thought I was an idiot, that she knew that my explanation was crazy. She took me very seriously. That was wonderful.
I think that the worst is when you are telling them something, and they nod and say "Um Hum" and look like they know what you are talking about. Then later (that day, the next week, the next month) you find out that they didn't have a clue what you were talking about. I never mind explaining things more than once, but when you assume for a long time that they understand something that is important, and then find out that they didn't understand - it feels like they have lied to you. This is a fine line - I am assuming that it is really common for them to not really understand stuff until we fill in the blanks later on. So they can't ask about everything they don't understand. I'm not sure how to solve this problem.
Posted by galkeepinon on November 9, 2003, at 16:33:31
In reply to HELP!!! Your good / bad experiences with Dr's etc, posted by NikkiT2 on November 9, 2003, at 12:24:24
Bummer! I took a Community Health course a few terms ago, wish I could have given you some info:(
Best of luck though...
=============================================================================
> HELP!!!
>
> I'm spending tomorrow afternoon with some students studying Community Mental Health. I will be there to give them the Service Users perspective, and what kind if care and help we find really good, and that that we find bad.
>
> I'm looking for examples to be able to give them.. Both positive and negative.. I want to be able to show them the things that make us feel unsafe and un-responsive.
> But I also want to be able to say - there are things we find really good, and if you treat us good, we will be more responsive to you and treatment, and easier to deal with.
>
> In my head we want to be treated with respect. To not be treated like we are thick, just because we are ill. That we can make decisions on our own care. And also that we are seen as individuals, not as a problem that needs dealing with.
>
> Any experiences you have had would be a great help to me. I won't name anyone, and won't even tell them about babble..
>
> Thanks everyone.. and sorry for such short notice!
>
> Nikki xx
Posted by Ayla on November 9, 2003, at 17:08:15
In reply to HELP!!! Your good / bad experiences with Dr's etc, posted by NikkiT2 on November 9, 2003, at 12:24:24
Hi there! Well by coincidence I left a post that ended up being right under yours, so it may have what you are looking for- it says "help- my doc. is being a bit lame" Okay so check it out. See ya later.
Ayla
Posted by Miss Honeychurch on November 9, 2003, at 18:05:48
In reply to HELP!!! Your good / bad experiences with Dr's etc, posted by NikkiT2 on November 9, 2003, at 12:24:24
I have only been in real therapy for a short time (4 months), but before I found my current, wonderful psychologist (I'll get to his good traits later), I had only ONE meeting with a psychaitrist who did the following: This guy was my very FIRST experience with the mental health profession:
1. During our 45 minute conversation, he looked at his watch 14 times.
2. After 20 minutes of me describing my problems (I'm a hypochondriac) he said I needed to be on medication. When I said that I wanted to try to work out my anxiety first without medication, he just shook his head and sighed, making me feel like an idiot.
3. He looked at me twice in 45 minutes for maybe 5 seconds per look.
4. After I had decided I didn't want to be on meds, he said, "OK, you'll have to see my social worker. I assume you want to see a woman." Um, thanks, but no. I prefer to see a man (you see, I want a Daddy!)
So I saw his social worker once. I knew I would never return when at the end of our session, which had gone well, she said "I'm so happy to have met you, this should be fun!" I felt like a side project of hers, an amusing distraction between "real" patients.
Which leads me to my psychologist. I must warn you however that I am totally in love with him, so I may see him through rose colored glasses. The positive things he does:
1. NEVER looks at his watch (he must have a clock hidden somewhere in his office which only he can see)
2. Always looks me in the eye.
3. Never shakes his head and sighs.
4. Uses major positive regard. Tells me he is very proud of me.
5. Discloses just the right amount about his personal life, usually using it to make points to me about my therapy/problems. This makes me feel more connected and closer to him. However, he doesn't believe in hugging, only handshakes. This is good for me since I think he would be gratifying a lot of my transference with hugs.
6. He is funny and sincere and affable. He always seems happy to see me.
7. In every session he makes it clear that he is interested in helping me and making me an independent person. He believes a lot of therapists like to keep their patients dependent so they don't have to delve into new cases and start over.
8. I feel that he truly cares about me. Whether he really does or not, I have no idea, but he makes it SEEM as if he does and that's all that matters to me.
Posted by Elle2021 on November 9, 2003, at 22:32:21
In reply to HELP!!! Your good / bad experiences with Dr's etc, posted by NikkiT2 on November 9, 2003, at 12:24:24
Nikki,
The thing I love about my pdoc is that he doesn't get all worked up over anything. He stays calm. I had to tell him about my self-mutilation and I was terrified. I thought he was going to freak out and lock me up in the ward. BUT, he was really calm and considerate of my feelings. He reassured me that he was going to help me quit (which I have!). He is also a good listener and informs me about new medical treatments and is wonderful about scheduling appointments around my busy schedule. He is such a kind and caring person. I hope your presentation goes really well! Good luck and God bless you!!
Elle
Posted by NikkiT2 on November 10, 2003, at 11:21:27
In reply to HELP!!! Your good / bad experiences with Dr's etc, posted by NikkiT2 on November 9, 2003, at 12:24:24
All the info you gave me was really really helpful. I produced a doc that had a basic outline for good / bad and then included examples of each.
The people on the course were really pleased with it, and I think it went really well. They were all really interested in what I had to say, and asked some really good questions.
I mentioned my own worst experience, which was Effexor withdrawal, and one woman burst into tears and said "thats what my mums going through, we didn't know"I do think it went well though..
THEN.. I get home to answer phone message - could I call this psychiatrist who is involved in Borderline UK.. could I give a talk to the British Medical Association (think its called that.. who all doctors have to be registered with).. TOMORROW!!!!! Someone has backed out, so could I please take over.. so thank heavens the talk has already been written.. But to 150 Psychiatrists??!!! Aaaaahhhhhhhhh!!!
This is good.. its good.. But wow its scary!!
Nikki xx
Posted by Dinah on November 10, 2003, at 11:26:45
In reply to THANKYOU!!!! , posted by NikkiT2 on November 10, 2003, at 11:21:27
I knew you could do it. And such a positive response!!! :)
You'll do fine. Those doctors need to hear from this side of the room, and they too frequently don't listen to their patients. :)
Posted by NikkiT2 on November 10, 2003, at 12:06:40
In reply to Re: HELP!!! Your good / bad experiences with Dr's etc » NikkiT2, posted by galkeepinon on November 9, 2003, at 16:33:31
Excuse me????
That really was terribly rude.
If I have asked you not to post to me, you just have, thus breaking civility code.
If I haven't, you've just been very rude to me, when i am fighting for EVERYONE to get good mental health care. So I see that as breaking civility code too.
I will be raising this with Dr Bob.
Nikki
Posted by madwand on November 10, 2003, at 12:26:12
In reply to Re: HELP!!! Your good / bad experiences with Dr's etc » galkeepinon, posted by NikkiT2 on November 10, 2003, at 12:06:40
Huh? Assuming you have not logged a "do not post to me" for Kristen, in what way can her response be considered rude? It did not strike me that way on initial reading, and upon re-reading I am still scratching my head.
As you have issues with Kristen from the past I would ask you this question -- would you have interpreted the post as rude had it come from someone else? Just food for thought.Michael
Posted by galkeepinon on November 10, 2003, at 12:35:58
In reply to Re: HELP!!! Your good / bad experiences with Dr's etc » galkeepinon, posted by NikkiT2 on November 10, 2003, at 12:06:40
Hi NikkiT2, please do not post to me any longer.
The only person who has asked me not to post to them *in writing* is 'Tabitha'
Take care and best wishes,
Kristen
============================================================================> Excuse me????
>
> That really was terribly rude.
>
> If I have asked you not to post to me, you just have, thus breaking civility code.
>
> If I haven't, you've just been very rude to me, when i am fighting for EVERYONE to get good mental health care. So I see that as breaking civility code too.
>
> I will be raising this with Dr Bob.
>
> Nikki
Posted by karen_kay on November 10, 2003, at 14:23:00
In reply to Re: HELP!!! Your good / bad experiences with Dr's etc » galkeepinon, posted by NikkiT2 on November 10, 2003, at 12:06:40
You may be wise to now put it in writing that you wish her to not post to you in the future, if this is your wish. Just to prevent future episodes. Glad to hear your good news hun! Karen...
Posted by slinky on November 10, 2003, at 14:57:43
In reply to HELP!!! Your good / bad experiences with Dr's etc, posted by NikkiT2 on November 9, 2003, at 12:24:24
Go girl!
It's great what you are doing...
I darn't tell my experiences...to close to home.
x
Posted by NikkiT2 on November 10, 2003, at 16:11:58
In reply to Re: HELP!!! Your good / bad experiences with Dr's etc » NikkiT2, posted by karen_kay on November 10, 2003, at 14:23:00
I can't though can I, as I can't direct a post at her to ask this of her ;)
Nikki
Posted by NikkiT2 on November 10, 2003, at 16:12:54
In reply to Re: HELP!!! Your good / bad experiences with Dr's etc » NikkiT2, posted by slinky on November 10, 2003, at 14:57:43
I didn't talk about my experiences much.. but the case studies people gave me were great!!
Tomorrow is nothing about case studies.. its about why service users should be involved int he decision making processes within mental health care.
Nikki xx
Posted by Tabitha on November 10, 2003, at 20:08:12
In reply to NikkiT2 » NikkiT2, posted by galkeepinon on November 10, 2003, at 12:35:58
> The only person who has asked me not to post to them *in writing* is 'Tabitha'
> Take care and best wishes,
> Kristen
>This is 'Tabitha'. I retracted that request. See http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20031008/msgs/268819.html
Posted by Ayla on November 11, 2003, at 1:12:36
In reply to THANKYOU!!!! , posted by NikkiT2 on November 10, 2003, at 11:21:27
Hey that is awesome!! Congratulations.
Posted by anks on November 11, 2003, at 17:32:37
In reply to HELP!!! Your good / bad experiences with Dr's etc, posted by NikkiT2 on November 9, 2003, at 12:24:24
> HELP!!!
>
> I'm spending tomorrow afternoon with some students studying Community Mental Health. I will be there to give them the Service Users perspective, and what kind if care and help we find really good, and that that we find bad.
>
> I'm looking for examples to be able to give them.. Both positive and negative.. I want to be able to show them the things that make us feel unsafe and un-responsive.
> But I also want to be able to say - there are things we find really good, and if you treat us good, we will be more responsive to you and treatment, and easier to deal with.
>
> In my head we want to be treated with respect. To not be treated like we are thick, just because we are ill. That we can make decisions on our own care. And also that we are seen as individuals, not as a problem that needs dealing with.
>
> Any experiences you have had would be a great help to me. I won't name anyone, and won't even tell them about babble..
>
> Thanks everyone.. and sorry for such short notice!
>
> Nikki xxHi Nikki, dont have much to say in regards to your question, my experiences are mediocore, hospital system could be improved. I was wondering what work you do and how you got into it? Hope it all goes well.
This is the end of the thread.
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